“Attainment must be solved”: Plaid Cymru’s message on education before next Senedd election

Plaid Cymru has emphasised that “attainment must be solved” in Welsh schools ahead of the next Senedd election in 2026, in response to what they call “26 years of neglect and mismanagement by Labour” of Wales’ education system.

The point was made during a speech by Cefin Campbell MS, Plaid Cymru’s education spokesperson, to his party’s spring conference in Llandudno today (Saturday, 22 March).

Attention was also given to the need for a “new model” for university funding, strengthening plans for Welsh-medium education and the £500 million maintenance backlog for repairing school buildings.

Estyn’s last annual report showed the significant challenges facing schools in terms of the standard of learning and assessment, improving levels of literacy and numeracy, as well as recruiting the education workforce.

International PISA results have also shown a decline in attainment, with Wales’ results in mathematics, reading and science lower than any other country in the United Kingdom.

One of the ideas that were mentioned in the speech for solving attainment and behaviour was ‘Community Schools Plus’, namely the inclusion of mental health provision and counselling at the school location, which would in turn allow teachers to focus on education.

Elaborating on the idea, Mr. Campbell said in his speech:

“Whether it’s tackling disruptive behaviour, high levels of absenteeism, improving ALN and mental health provision, providing wraparound support will enable learners to reach their full potential, no matter what the challenges they face.

“That is why we want to build on the Welsh Government’s current Community School model, which whilst has good intentions, does not go far enough.

“In creating a Community School ‘Plus’ model if you will, we hope to be able to bring support staff and services and relevant organisations together to improve support and outcomes for our young people.”